Ward 15
All Members
Councilman Oscar Vargas
Oscar O. Vargas was elected to City Council in the summer of 2021. He represents Ward 15, which includes the parts of Silver Lake, Olneyville, Manton, and Valley neighborhoods. As a resident of Providence for more than 20 years, Councilman Vargas has had the opportunity to experience firsthand the issues Ward 15 faces.
Born in Zacapa, Guatemala, Councilman Vargas immigrated to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1989. He attended Central High School, and after graduation, he worked at the Citizens Bank Corporation Office. Councilman Vargas has also worked as a jeweler; a year later, he opened his jewelry shop. In 2016 he received an auto mechanic certificate from MTTI.
He currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on City Public Works and a member of the Committee on Ordinances. He is also a member of the Water Supply Board.
Ward 15: Olneyville, Silver Lake, Valley
Recent News
Statement from Councilman Oscar Vargas Regarding 6/10 Interchange Project
"I would like to thank Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha for his diligent work bringing charges against Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. and a former employee for dumping illegal waste on the 6/10 interchange construction project. Our neighborhood is not a...
City Council Committee Leaders Elected
City Council Committee Leaders Elected Council Committees on Public Works, Ordinances, Claims & Pending Suits, State Legislative Affairs and City Property convened tonight to elect committee chairmen Members of the Providence City Council held five committee...
Statement from Councilman John Goncalves Regarding Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Meeting with the Federal Highway Administration
I would like to extend my appreciation to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) for their efforts to consult with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regarding South Water Street. Additionally, I want to sincerely thank the FHWA for their review...
Statement from Councilman John Goncalves on South Water Street Trail
Statement from Councilman John Goncalves on South Water Street Trail: Since its inception, I have been involved and aware of the planning, engagement, and implementation of the South Water Street Trail. As somebody deeply concerned about the climate crisis, about...
City Council Brings Charges Against & Seeks Removal Of City Clerk Shawn Selleck For Creating Toxic Work Environment
This evening, the Providence City Council voted unanimously to approve a Providence Home Rule Charter Section 403 resolution to bring charges against City Clerk Shawn Selleck, and to seek his suspension or removal from office. The resolution charges Mr. Selleck with...
City Councilors Call for Vaccine Requirements for K-12 Teachers and School Employees in Providence
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) proposed a resolution requesting Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Greene impose a state-wide policy mandating all K-12 teachers and school employees to receive the...